Many users in search of a challenge or wishing to take an active holiday, can complete the Trail in one continuous trip over 5-12 days. The following figures give an indication of how long it will take to complete different parts of the route, although the time taken will obviously depend on your level of fitness.
| Ave miles per day | No of Days | ||
| Derbyshire - >MTL - 73 miles | MTL - 47 miles | ||
| Horse riders | 10 - 15 | 5 - 7 | 3 - 4 |
| Cyclists | 15 - 25 | 3 - 5 | 2 - 3 |
| Walkers | 10 - 15 | 5 - 7 | 3 - 4 |
However many days you choose to spend on the Trail, you can plan your daily itinerary and find the most suitable stopovers for your journey using the maps pages. You can search for suitable accommodation by type, for example “with stables” for horse riders, youth hostels or B&Bs. The Route Distance Diagrams (under each section heading) may also be useful. For those who prefer to leave the organising to someone else, there are a number of small companies who can organise a holiday or short break, booking accommodation, organising meals and luggage transfer – please see the services page for listings. If you do not own a horse or bike you can also look under services to find horse or cycle hire.
Where do I Start?
Derbyshire to Mary Towneley Loop
If you are aiming to do the whole route, the Pennine Bridleway provides different starting points for cyclists and horse riders in Derbyshire - cyclists are recommended to start at Middleton Top where there are good facilities including a bike hire outlet. Horse riders start about 10 miles further along the Trail at Hartington Station, where new purpose built facilities have been constructed, which include designated horse box parking and turning areas, a covered shelter for preparing for the Trail, a corral, toilets & a refreshment area. Walkers can choose to start at either site. However, you can obviously start from any point along the Trail and select whichever route you wish to take.
Mary Towneley Loop
Many people choose to do the Mary Towneley Loop as a walk or ride in its own right, starting and finishing at any point on the Loop.
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